Friday, June 06, 2008

Early on Friday, MP Ihor Rybakov of BYuT and MP Yuriy But submitted statements canceling their membership in the Orange Coalition. Technically, their move cuts the life support of the ailing BYuT-NUNS enterprise, a “game over” predicted by analysts and desired by fans of shyrka, or the grand coalition with the Party of Regions.

In his statements, MP Rybakov cites government corruption and failures, while MP But blames internal divisions and the coalition’s disconnect with President Yushchenko’s policies. Yushchenko’s chief of staff, Viktor Baloha, whom the media also believes to be the chief shyrka ideologist, reportedly has close relations with MP Ihor Rybakov.

Baloha has claimed no knowledge of the developments. "I haven't heard that the Coalition is disbanding. Disbanding the coalition requires that a meeting of the faction be held and that a majority decide that they are quitting the coalition," Baloha was quoted as saying.

"If we talk about the Constitution, it should be passed in Parliament by 450 votes, that is, it has to suit both the President, the Prermier and all political forces. It will be a grand coalition or a narrow vision," Baloha added.